Weaving in Iran (Persia)...
Historically, Iran ("Persia" up until 1934) has been the source of a very wide variety of rug designs and qualities. Probably the bulk of the Oriental rugs sold worldwide from
just after WW I through the 1950's came from Persia/Iran. So many rugs have come from Iran for so long that "Persian rug" and "Oriental rug" are synonymous terms to many people.
In fact, knowledgeable rug people are careful to differentiate the two identifications. "Persian design rugs" can come from India, Pakistan, China, or elsewhere, but "Persian rugs"
come only from Iran.
Traditionally, many Iranian rugs have been sold in Europe and America by dealers of Iranian extraction. This has led to a common (and sometimes carefully nurtured) belief that Iran
produces the "best" Oriental rugs. Indeed, there are magnificent old and new rugs from Iran, but there are as many poorly made, junky old and new pieces from Iran as from Turkey,
Afghanistan, India, or elsewhere. A particular country of origin is in no way a guarantee of quality. A rug customer needs the ability to critically evaluate on its own merits any
rug offered for possible purchase.
Iranian production runs the gamut from coarsely woven nomadic and village types like Shiraz, Kurd, Hamadan, and Herez, to very finely made types like Isfahan and some Tabriz, Nain,
and Qum rugs. Iranian production "gentrified" in the 1970's, as oil revenue produced a wealthy Iranian middle class and a demand for high quality handwoven rugs.
The embargo on importing rugs from Iran into the US ended in March, 2000. Good quantities of Iranian rugs are available in wholesale and retail markets in America today, with types
and quality ranging all over the map as US dealers reestablish connections with Persian sources that had been dormant for over 15 years. As more American dealers explore the offerings
from Iran, expect to see better selected Iranian goods available.
Iranian rug prices reached historic highs in the early 1980's when it seemed the Iranian Revolution of 1979 would end rug exports. In fact, prices have declined since then to the point
where a reasonable quality Iranian rug purchased from a reliable dealer can represent very good value. As with every weaving area, Iran produces some great rugs today, but also many
average quality rugs, and not a few junky and ugly ones. Just because the rug you're considering was made in Iran doesn't mean it's a wonderful piece you should snatch up. Evaluate the
rug carefully, educate yourself about rugs in general, and try to comparison shop.
Rugs From Iran
HAMADAN: Typical medallion design. Wool on cotton; 85 knots/sq. in. 4'5" x 7
HEREZ: Not fine, but durable. Wool on cotton; 45 knots/sq. in. 9'5" x 12'5"
ISFAHAN: Wool pile with silk inlay. Wool on silk; 425 knots/sq. in. 3'6" x 5'6"
TABRIZ: "Herati" or "fish" design. Wool on cotton; 275 knots/sq. in. 4'8" x 6'5"
BIJAR: Wool on cotton; 165 knots/sq. in. 3'6" x 5'2"
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